Located halfway between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is an extraordinary archipelago home to seabirds, polar bears, reindeers and marine mammals that have adapted to life in this frosty escape. In May and June the ice retreats and the tundra clears of snow, with temperatures remaining steadily above zero until September – making this the best time of year to explore the numerous islands. Humans are the minority this far north, with only 2,500 people calling Svalbard home year-round, compared to an estimated 3,000 polar bears. When travelling outside the settlements, residents are required to carry a rifle for their own protection.

Svalbard has a diverse geology, and because most of the land is barren and untouched it provides a unique look into the stages of Earth's development. From mountains and canyons to wetland plains and lagoons, there is much more than just icy tundra to discover. For both geologists and adventurers, this land is a mecca like no other.

From the end of April to the end of August, the sun never sets on Svalbard. It rests calmly above the horizon looking down upon the oceans of ice, before a hiatus from October to February when it is rarely seen. This constant daylight makes summer the ideal time for adventurous activities and exploration, such as guided cruises, hiking, dog-sledding or kayaking around glaciers.